Boogie Ellis says being undrafted drives him: ‘They’ll all see.’

Aug 2, 2024, 10:54 AM

(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Following a strong showing during NBA Summer League, undrafted guard Boogie Ellis agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings that will provide the USC product with an opportunity to make the team’s final roster in training camp.

During this week’s action on Stiles & Watkins, Chris Watkins and Brenden Nunes had a chance to catch up with Ellis, get some background on his college experience, how he’ll fit with Sacramento, and much more.

Plus: Boogie shares which players he has modeled his game after and what he hopes to bring to the table in the NBA.

Topics Discussed

Why did Boogie decide to transfer from Memphis to USC?
What aspects of his game will translate over to the NBA?
“Guarding 94 feet, being a great teammate… Just continue to do whatever is asked.”
How much better has Ellis felt since he left USC?
“I still feel like I haven’t reached my ceiling yet… I can get so much better by the time I get to training camp.”
Who are some pro comps that Boogie compares his playing style to?
Has Boogie talked to his new teammates since signing his deal with Sacramento?
What was the pre-draft process like for Ellis?

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More on Kings guard Boogie Ellis

Boogie Ellis, 23, was a five-year collegiate player, starring for Memphis and USC over that time frame. He averaged 16.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in those five seasons. Ellis joined the Kings’ Summer League squad after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He impressed Doug Christie and Sacramento’s coaching staff with his defensive tenacity. The San Diego native also averaged 11.2 PPG in five games.

While it was a small sample size, it was enough to earn him a training camp invite for the fall.

“Whenever I get the opportunity, the work’s already been put in, so I’m going to perform every time,” Ellis said in July during Las Vegas Summer League. “As long as I get my opportunity, I’m going to continue to do great things and continue to just build on what I’ve building on.”

Ellis will look to continue his building this fall when the Kings report to Sacramento for training camp.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

The dog days of the NBA offseason have arrived.

Sacramento will continue to look to add to its roster before players report for training camp at the end of September. The Kings currently have some open roster spots that general manager Monte McNair will have to fill in the coming weeks and months.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.

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